Croatia Players Stop Talking to Press After Naked Pictures Published

Croatia coach Niko Kovac confirmed that his players are refusing to talk to the media after pictures of team members swimming naked in their hotel swimming pool were published.

The pictures, which can be found online, appear to be the work of a couple of photographers hiding in the bushes close to the team hotel.

Kovac addressed the media but said he did not expect his players to do the same.

As quoted by the Guardian, he explained:

How would you feel if someone took naked pictures of you? They are adamant that they won’t speak to you lot any more and I don’t know whether the silence will end tomorrow or last until the end of our World Cup campaign.

I respect my players’ opinion and I also know that you have done a very professional job so far but you blew it with this one. The whole world has seen the photos.

Croatia lost their opener to hosts Brazil 3-1 in a competitive match marred by erratic refereeing and a controversial penalty.

They next meet Cameroon in Manaus on Wednesday urgently seeking a win to get their campaign on track.